The job cuts, which were expected following the Board''s September decision to hire the private firm Grand Rapids Building Services (GRBS), will save the district an estimated $800,000, the article stated.

According to the article, School Board President Joan Wadsworth said the decision was difficult but necessary.

The layoffs will be effective as of December 26, using the holiday break to transition from the district''s full-time staff to the staff of GRBS, the article noted.